Wabash Delts in Arizona

View from our campsite looking east.
Rob picked a great spot!

Brad Ballentine '79 joined Rob Matthews '76 and Allen Murphy '76 for a desert camping experience in western Arizona for a long weekend respite from his snowy existence in central Indiana.  Rob has retired to north central Arizona, while Murph is snowbirding in southern Arizona.  Murph has the smaller RV, easier to maneuver through airports, so he picked up Brad while Rob took his RV to Quartzsite and staked a claim for our campsite, just north of town.

Most of these photos, and certainly the better pics, were taken by Brad.

Brad captured some great AZ Pics!

Rob gave us his camp's position, just north of Quartzsite,
a mile or so east of AZ Rt 95. 

And there he was!  Rob was right where he said we'd find him.

Rob welcomed us with cold drinks!  Quite refreshing
in the Arizona heat.

Murph set his camper nearby.  Rob's trailer is out of view,
immediately east of, and behind, Murph's RV, "Kelly VI."

Sunset our first night was exquisite.

Rob brought out his mobile HAM Radio gear.

Using Murph's ladder for a high point,
Rob & Brad stretched the antenna
for a hundred feet, both east and west.

Brad capturing the scene for
posterity.

The ladder is just visible between the RVs, the
antenna wire is not visible in this view.
Unfortunately, while we could eavesdrop on a few
conversations, we were unable to reach anyone on the air.

In the town of Quartzsite, many businesses seem
much less than permanent.  This was our
first stop in the afternoon.

Murph and Brad solving world issues over a snack and brew.

Our next stop was this VFW Post, which also welcomed
American Legion members and guests.
We were glad they did as we were Legion members, not VFW.

As with many small town Posts,
the staff are underpaid or not paid at all and
work for their tips.  Given the low prices, it is easy to
tip generously and, thankfully, most folks do.

Back at camp, Brad adopted this creosote bush.
He began by securing its home with a
nice circle of protective and decorative rocks.

It may have been these cute flowers that
caught Brad's eye.

This Saguaro cactus and its bush
were also near our camp, to the north.

Rob and Brad collected dirt from a nearby wash
that might contain gold.  Here, Rob is showing
Murph how to sift thru the dirt for gold.

Brad and Rob enjoying the
propane fire pit that Rob
brought.  You can see the 
propane hose leading from
the fire to the tank.

The next morning we drove north to see the famous
London Bridge in Lake Havasu City, AZ.
Although the scene along our drive wasn't as
green as the Tucson area, the evidence of
significant rain this past fall and winter is clear.
Usually this time of year, the plants and desert are
shades of tan, brown and grey.

North of Parker, AZ we drove along the Colorado River.
That's California across the water.

London Bridge!

At the pub in Lake Havasu City.

Upon our return to Quartzsite, we decided to visit the
Quartzsite Yacht Club!  Notice the sailboat?  Yes,
a yacht club 166 nautical miles from the
nearest navigable waters, The Sea of Cortez!

As Murph is a sailor, he had joined the QYC during 
his first visit a month ago.

The Delts built a nice natural campfire with wood that
Rob brought from home.

Rob and his rig before departing for home.

As Brad and Murph passed through Quartzsite
on their way to the airport, they stopped
to discover why there were many camel sculptures
and images about town.

Monon Bell 2025

That's Derek '79 in the Wabash hoodie.

The 131st Football Competition between the dannies of Depauw versus the Little Giants of Wabash took place this past weekend and proved that the Delts, once again, certainly know how to throw a great party.  Unfortunately, our footballers failed to deliver a score we preferred, but it was a terrific weekend nonetheless. 

Please comment below with any suggested edits, corrections, additions or updates.

For the folks who flew to Indy
for the weekend, this was
their view of downtown.

For John '82, he brought his home with him.

Beautiful central Indiana sunset,
followed by the Northern Lights.

These early arrivals caught the basketball game
at Chadwick Court.  Murph '76, Randy '77, John '82

Our basketball team dominated almost
the entire game and the score reflects that.
Randy '77 is in the grey jacket at the bottom left.
Photo by John Murphy

Many 603 WW members stay at 
Camp Rotary for the camaraderie and campfires.
Photo by John Murphy

At the entrance to Chadwick Court.
Photo by Lynn Ballentine

Why does Randy have
a football uniform?
(separately, check the sign
over his head)
Look closely at the helmet.

The Wabash athletes walk under this every day.

Notice that this helmet is from the set that
honors Chick Clements, long-time equipment 
manager and trainer for Wabash.  Every Wabash athlete
and almost everyone else at Wabash knew and loved Chick.

Randy found a gent to
wear the uniform during the game and
represent the team inside the Delt Bigtop Tent.
That's John '82 with the new player. 

Randy '77 poses with his new player.

Friday night before the big game, many Delts and friends
met for dinner at the Covington Beef House.
Photo by Lynn Ballentine

At the Covington Beef House
Photo by Lynn Ballentine

At the Covington Beef House
Photo by Lynn Ballentine

The ladies took this photo of the brothers
at the Covington Beef House.
Rick '78, Craig '79, Dan '79, Mike '79, Murph '76, Randy '77, Max '81
Chong '80, John '81, Greg '79, Tim '79, Ralph '79, John, 82, Derek '79, Rand E. '79
Brad '79, Brian H'79, Earl '75, Jim '77
Photo by Lynn Ballentine

Steve and Brenda Wakefield have been key,
for the past several years, in
planning, and successfully operating the
603WW Bigtop Tent and Monon Bell Weekend.
Thankfully, they inspire many others to help,
especially on Saturday morning when many Delts
and friends pitch in to set up tables for food,
stage for live music, bar for exquisite drinks,
and ice tubs for cold drinks.  This is after
key volunteers Jim Evans '77, Randy Allen '77,
and Charlie Hutchins '76/'77 have spent months
enabling the big event to come together.
Photo by Roger Wilson

Steve and Brenda donate high quality wines from
their extensive collection as part of the fund raising to
support the mission of 603WW, enabling active students
to improve their opportunities post Wabash.
Photo by Roger Wilson

As in every Delt Gathering since the
original "Squatfest" in 2018,
Chuck and Darrell provide the bar service,
including liquor and ingredients that 
are ALL Top Shelf.
Photo by Roger Wilson

Delts from the Seventies recall
their hosting of the popular
"Friday Afternoon Drinking Club"
in the basement of 603WW.
Photo by Roger Wilson

A caterer provides excellent servings for the
luncheon in the big tent.
Photo by Roger Wilson

Live music was provided by Wyatt.
generously paid by Randy Allen '77.
Photo by Roger Wilson

Shonaugh Batchelder & Brenda Wakefield
meet our newest player,
recruited by Randy '77.
Photo by Steve Wakefield

Before game time, Delts gather to enjoy fellowship,
 coffee, donuts and possibly a bloody mary.
You may notice Biology major, Ed Wanamaker '76
is Not wearing Scarlet.  His white sweatshirt
is sporting three birds, Swallows.
A single word on his sweatshirt: "Depauw."  😊

Greg '79 posted this on Facebook.

Photo by Steve Wakefield

John '82 with his son, Patrick
and grandsons, River '45 and Rhodes '47.

Wabash students are into the big event!
Sphinx Club Members were
hawking game merchandise
throughout Mud Hollow.
Photo by Jada Ahern

Photo by Steve Wakefield

Roger '76 found this inviting location for the dannies.

After lunch and before the game, the biennial recognition of a Delt brother who has gone
above and beyond takes pace with the presentation of the Brooks/Seymour Award.
Everyone gathers in the tent for this major event.
Photo by Jada Ahern

Ralph Dixon '79 earned this year's
Brooks/Seymour Award.
He was the first
Chairman of the 603WW Board
when 603WW was initially established.
In addition, Ralph has actively
volunteered for many 603
events over the years, is honored in the
Wabash Athletics Hall of Fame
based on his All-American Swimming
performances, as well
as leading multiple service posts
including missions overseas and
supporting his local community.

Drawings were held to see who won the donated gifts.
Craig '79 donated a beautiful print of the Wabash Chapel
enclosed in a gorgeous wooden frame, handmade by Craig.
Photo by Jada Ahern

Greg '79 must have been generous
in his bidding, as he won a
fine bourbon and wooden vessel for tasting.

These items were also won in the drawings.
Photo by Greg Fuchs

The fellowship of brothers is always the best aspect of the weekend.
Photo by John Murphy

Joe Collings
Photo by Steve Wakefield

Ed Parada '95 is sporting
a new Jon Pactor '71 pin.

Pactor's pins are always fun (for Wabash grads).

Photo by Steve Wakefield

Photo by Steve Wakefield

Photo by Steve Wakefield

Patrick, Rhodes '47, John '82 watch the game,
streaming on John's laptop.
Photo by Jada Ahern

While unnamed alums donated some
regular beer, the brothers' Dixon
provided the top shelf brews.
Photo by Jada Ahern

Ralph & Cheryl Dixon
Photo by Steve Wakefield

Randy, Larry, John
Photo by Steve Wakefield

Patrick, Rhodes & Kylee Murphy
Photo by Steve Wakefield

Photo by Steve Wakefield

Photo by Steve Wakefield

Photo by Steve Wakefield

Photo by Steve Wakefield

Photo by Steve Wakefield

Photo by Steve Wakefield

Sue & Bill Hill
Photo by Steve Wakefield

Photo by Steve Wakefield

Many fans walked through Mud Hollow
to attend the game.  While windy and cool,
it was remarkably wonderful
weather for mid-November.

John appreciated this RV in their lot.
Notice both Wabash AND Ohio State logos.

It is important to note that
the Wabash flag is above OSU.

As fans entered the stadium,
this sign reminded all of the one, only and
important rule at Wabash.
The Gentleman's Rule (from the Wabash
College Parents' Handbook):
"RULE OF CONDUCT AND ACADEMIC HONESTY Perhaps the most striking aspect of student life at Wabash is personal freedom. Believing that students ought to develop self-reliance and personal responsibility, the College has long prescribed only one rule of conduct: The student is expected to conduct himself, at all times, both on and off the campus, as a gentleman and a responsible citizen. Adherence to this code of conduct is primarily a student’s responsibility. Enforcement of the rule lies with the Dean of Students Office."
Photo by Jada Ahern

Always impressive to see 10,000 in attendance
for a division III football game!
Photo by Jada Ahern

Roger '76 and Rosie have attended more
Monon Bell games than almost anyone,
except possibly Bill and Sue Hill.
Photo by Roger Wilson

Plenty of fans followed the game via streaming or radio
while enjoying the camaraderie in the tent.

Scott Feller, Wabash President, was met on campus by 
Bill Hill '75/'76 and Roger Wilson '76.
The end result of the game is not to be discussed here.
(Game results are Here.)
For access to results of every
Monon Bell Game, Click Here.

Jon Sunde '78 found this missive and another 
one like it in the Delt Chapter Room.
They were written, along with a few others,
for the celebration of Beta Psi's
150th Anniversary in 2022.
The two letters found by Jon were penned
by Steve Wakefield '77 & Allen Murphy '76.
Photo by Jon Sunde 

Bill & Sue Hill hosted a wonderful dinner celebrating the Delt brotherhood at Wabash.
The ladies attending captured this pic of the brothers.
Chuck '78, Ed '76, Diz '76, Randy '77, Hutch '77, Roger '76, Prof. Hadley H'76, Murph '76, Bill '76
Brad '79, Peter '78, Gumby '73, Jim '77, Batch '77, Bob '75, Earl '75, Ralph '79, Jon '79
Photo by Jada Ahern

Many brothers slept at Camp Rotary for the weekend, which included campfires and conversations.
Photo by Brad Ballentine

Sunday morning was a final get together for 
breakfast before departing C'ville.
Photo by our friendly server

Then all went their separate ways via trains, planes and automobiles.
Here Murph '76 and Jada arrive early at the airport
for their trips home.
Photo by unknown fellow traveler

Jada's plane departs Indy Airport.

A few days later, Jacob Moore found in USA Today a dated quote from Murph '76 in an article about the Monon Bell Rivalry.  It will take some scrolling to find the quote,

" 'As alumni, it (the Monon Bell Game) still holds a considerable position just barely shy of God, family and friends,' said Allen Murphy, a 1976 Wabash graduate."